INT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - MESS HALL
Aaron intently kept watch on Samantha's face as he carefully
unwrapped her left hand. She was doing her absolute best to
remain poised; strong. Again, once the wrapping was pulled
away, it was hard to fathom that she was only seeing her
last three fingers ... She could swear the sensation of her
thumb and forefinger still resonated -- that they were there --
but alas, all that remained in their place was a strange,
hollowed-out silhouette: a palm that now tapered into just
the pinky, ring, and middle finger, stark against the gauzy
remains of bandages. The skin at the edge of the loss was
smooth in some places, jagged in others, where healing had
yet to finish its slow work. Without her thumb to
counterbalance, her remaining fingers curled inward slightly,
an unconscious attempt to grasp something that was no longer
there.
Slowly, she managed to clutch the handle of a spoon ... but
was struggling to balance it. She dipped it into a bowl of
soup, then -- agonizingly -- lifted it back to her lips.
AARON
You see? You can do that.
Samantha dropped the hand, staring disconsolately at it.
AARON
You will endure ...
She tightened her fingers around the utensil ... carefully
bringing it off the table. Then raised her other arm to
remind herself there wasn't a hand there at all.
AARON
Sam
Samantha haphazardly threw the spoon, then tumbled the bowl
over with her right forearm. Overwhelmed, she leapt to her
feet and turned away.
AARON
Sam!
She ran outside. Aaron stood, scrambling in his mind for
answers, as Friar James slowly came in from an adjoining
hall.
FRIAR JAMES
Bless her.
Aaron chased after her.
EXT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - OVERGROWN GARDEN
Samantha stopped at the edge of the overgrown garden and
fell onto her rear. She struggled with her ruined limbs to
position her legs for meditation, the sea of emotions drowning
her.
Aaron gingerly approached.
SAMANTHA
What am I going to do?
Aaron sat beside her.
AARON
Honor everything that you are. Not
what you have lost.
SAMANTHA
(beat)
In many lifetimes, I have been a
warrior. Any sort of weapon one can
carry ... Learned how each felt within
the palm. How just a tiny movement
of one finger could position a blade
so perfect in the grasp. But now
...
AARON
You know as well as I, from where we
come, you are much more than that
vision of yourself.
SAMANTHA
Am I? Would I endure if common
bandits were to intrude into this
very moment?
She leaned into him. Aaron compassionately embraced her,
kissing her head.
AARON
Yes, you would, because people --
even warriors -- are more than their
hands.
EXT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - ANOTHER PLACE
Elsewhere, at another part of the monastery's dense fields,
James knelt and clasped his hands in prayer. He stared up
into the brightness of the sun, taking the intensity of the
light as long as he could ... Then squinted his eyes closed
and coiled into his knees.
EXT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - ANOTHER PLACE - LATER
Later, James took out his inner frustrations by chopping
wood for the hearth. By now, his brow was covered with sweat;
his face still tense.
Aaron came up behind, stalling him from another swing of the
ax.
FRIAR JAMES
How is she?
AARON
She will be
FRIAR JAMES
I will pray for her.
(Smash!)
AARON
I am sorry if what I said --
FRIAR JAMES
Such a similar encounter to my own
brought one to change his name from
Saul to Paul.
(Smash!)
FRIAR JAMES
And it was through he that we could
say Christendom was truly born.
AARON
And not the words of Christ?
FRIAR JAMES
He is the true vine.
(Smash!)
FRIAR JAMES
But Paul brought water to the desert
of other men's souls. It took his
traveling, his preaching, but most
of all, his change of self, without
which, what church would remain today?
(SMASH!)
FRIAR JAMES
The light of Christ transformed him
on the road to Damascus. Took away
the darkness which he didn't realize
he even was and turned him into soil
for the vine's growth.
AARON
He changed into that which had always
been within him.
James pondered his point, then turned with another swing.
(Smash)
AARON
Every living tree must eventually
grow its leaves after the winter
thaw. In some cases, in new
directions in accord with the light,
looking toward the sun.
James paused. He positioned another stump, but Aaron stopped
him from hoisting the blade.
AARON
It is my turn to nourish you now.
Come inside. While the food is still
warm.
James smiled, then nodded. (Smash!)
INT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - MESS HALL - LATER
The trio sat at the table ... Samantha contending with raising
a mug. Aaron helped her, to which she gave him an exasperated
look while trying to drink. She kept her right arm tucked
close to her abdomen, refusing to place it on the table.
AARON
We will make a cup with a handle,
for you to be easier to grip.
FRIAR JAMES
I think the impairments will only be
temporary.
Samantha and Aaron both shot him a look.
FRIAR JAMES
All solutions, no matter how vexing,
rest with God in His infinite
knowledge. He will supply you with
new ideas in how to work with material
creation, I can assure you of that.
(Takes a drink)
FRIAR JAMES
Forgive me. I do not mean to speak
coldly.
AARON
No, you have not. You speak from
wisdom.
FRIAR JAMES
Then perhaps, I hope, He will also
reveal what we are to do next.
SAMANTHA
Yes.
She gazed at Aaron for guidance, though with rather mixed
emotions. One part of her wanted to continue the fight with
Pasquier and his cult, yet she also feared her inability to
be of value with such loss of her appendages.
AARON
Black friar, what would you say?
James sat up, rather surprised he was asking him. He
ruminated on the entirety of the situation.
FRIAR JAMES
A new plague -- one of the spirit --
is consuming the lands. It has
already claimed much of the Holy
City and has spread out to decimate
even your people. And all people
are God's children ... Since it is
in the spirit ... How do we ...
transform it, like Saul on the road
to Damascus?
SAMANTHA
Pray.
FRIAR JAMES
(in agreement)
Pray.
AARON
Pray.
INT/EXT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - SERIES OF SHOTS
And each in their own way, did exactly that. James took his
refuge in the chapel, as was his custom, while Aaron and
Samantha meditated outdoors. Hours quickly turned into days.
During the process, Samantha worked within herself ... To
calm her turbulent spirit about her injuries. Between
meditation sessions, she tried patiently to find new ways to
handle the cup and food utensils.
To help her out, James and Aaron together fashioned (and
fired) a new mug, with a handle she could more easily manage
and balance.
Then Aaron joined James in the chapel. He meditated beside
him while James sat silently in deep prayer. A little while
later, James felt compelled to leave the sanctuary behind
... and instead sat down in the grass of the field, crossed
his legs, and closed his eyes ... looking more like he was
meditating rather than praying.
INT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - ENTRY - DAY
But with the length of days in such solitude and spiritual
preparation, their provisions were wearing thin. James placed
the rucksack over his head, dangling it over his bare chest,
then put on his robe.
FRIAR JAMES
I will return with new supplies by
evening vespers tomorrow, and
hopefully some news about Avignon
... or the King's army.
Yes, the King's army. They all sensed it in their
meditations. Something was happening -- something they all
knew was at the behest of Pasquier. Samantha, with her "good"
hand, adjusted his robe, then kissed his cheek.
SAMANTHA
Blessed be your light. Thank you.
AARON
Ride safe.
FRIAR JAMES
God be with you both.
With that, he left them to take to his horse and rode away.
Aaron turned in and grabbed a few small leather sacks left
by the door.
AARON
Thankfully, he left us plenty of
wood to remain warm in the chill,
but I still need to find a bit more
for our nourishment.
SAMANTHA
I can come with you.
AARON
I won't be long. Just keep the hearth
aglow.
He kissed her, then stepped out, heading into the forest.
EXT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - CONTINUOUS
He went deep into the timberland -- losing all track of time,
as the sun swung around the trees. Nevertheless, his
expedition was successful -- as he found several berry bushes
and edible plants for the coming days.
EXT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - LATER
But back at the monastery, TWO VILLAGERS from a nearby hamlet
were scouting through the woods with their large dogs ...
Hunting dogs ... Mastiffs. They halted when seeing the
timeworn building.
GOON 1
There it is. The old monastery.
GOON 2
Ought to have something left within
it worth a coin or two.
He took a step, but his partner suddenly held him back ...
pointing to the smoke swirling up from one of the chimneys.
GOON 2
Doesn't look so empty now, does it?
GOON 1
Squatters, I wager.
They yanked daggers. (Click of tongue-to-teeth) The Mastiffs
pulled forward ... leading them upon quiet approach ... Making
it to the door (open).
INT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - CONTINUOUS
They hearth was still burning bright as they sneaked in.
But ... no sign of anyone.
They released the dogs ... While the canines disappeared
into the depths of the priory, the men cautiously investigated
for the intruder.
INT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - CELL HALL
Meanwhile, rather frightened, Samantha hustled down the hall
leading into the personal sleeping cells.
INT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - SLEEPING CELL - CONTINUOUS
She hid inside one of the small chambers, planting her back
against the wall at the side of the door. Her mind raced
... trying to fathom what she could possibly do ... then
gaped at her ruined appendages, acknowledging them as a
dreadful disability.
INT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - CELL HALL
One of the Mastiffs was hot on her trail, its nose firmly to
the floor ... Trotting intently down the hallway toward the
cells.
INT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - SLEEPING CELL
Samantha crouched ... her eyes closed in preparation. She
had at last managed her breath and her emotions -- her Muein
training overcoming her fear.
The dog strolled in. Samantha immediately raised her chopped
arm, as if to stay, "Stop." The Mastiff halted -- giving her
a rather peculiar look. Then sniffed the snub of her wrist.
With her other hand, she slowly reached then pets its head
with her trio of digits.
SAMANTHA
Good boy.
INT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - FOYER
The goons stopped looking when one of the Mastiffs came
hurrying back. The dog sat and simply ... looked at them.
GOON 2
What? Was there no one here that
you found?
A moment, then the other dog swiftly returned. He sat and
looked at them just the same.
GOON 2
What is the matter with you two?
The first goon turned suspicious. He drew up his dagger and
went into the mess hall. His buddy followed. The Mastiffs
... kept seated and didn't follow them.
The duo of peasant intruders stalked through dining area,
then went into the hallways leading into the private sleeping
cells.
They peeked into the first cell. No one. Second cell. No
one. Third cell: Samantha, seated near the back wall, eyes
closed in meditation.
EXT. WOODS
At the same moment, Aaron was racing through the woods ...
Knowing something was happening back at the monastery --
INT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - SLEEPING CELL - CONTINUOUS
-- where the pair of goons cautiously invaded the cell, their
daggers at the ready.
GOON 2
Looky here. Who do you think she
is?
Samantha at last opened her eyes ... gazing up at them ...
Not a hint of worry in her face; but rather, a cold
acknowledgement.
GOON 1
A witch, perhaps. Look at her hands.
They drew nearer. Samantha ... let them.
GOON 2
How can she be a witch all mangled
in such a hideous way?
GOON 1
Witches are hideous. Talk to us,
woman.
He flipped his dagger for a better grip.
GOON 1
I said talk ... or did they also cut
your tongue out?
He pounced. Samantha ROLLED AWAY, completely evading him.
She suddenly jumped on one foot, staying low, and KICKED his
partner's legs out from under him with her other heel. As
he went down, Samantha leaped ... round-house kicking the
first goon's dagger out of his hand. He backed away ...
Then Samantha flipped, landing backward in front of him, and
ELBOWED him hard in the sternum, falling him onto his rear.
The second good climbed back to his feet. Samantha rushed
him. He swiped his blade erratically, but she easily avoided
every thrust. Then she tossed her arms into the mix -- no
hand-use needed. Distracted by her stumps, she scrunched
his foot with her own. Then she took a step back, leaped,
and kicked him unconscious.
The first man retreated. Like lightning, Samantha jumped,
landing upon his throat! She clenched her legs together,
choking him and sending him to the floor. Before he could
get back up, she slammed her foot onto his chest, keeping
him pinned. She whistled. Within seconds, the Mastiffs
raced in.
SAMANTHA
A witch doesn't necessarily need
hands to perform magic.
AARON (O.S.)
Sam?
SAMANTHA
I'm in here!
Aaron raced in ... and was shocked to see her in total control
of the intruders.
SAMANTHA
A pair of unwanted guests. But at
least they come with nice dogs.
AARON
I see.
His eyes light up and he gave her a proud smile. Then he
helped the first goon stand, knowing he was too beaten to
fight. Aaron shoved him toward his partner.
AARON
You may go.
Both men gathered themselves ... ruined and emasculated.
SAMANTHA
But you will speak of us to no one,
or I will find you in your beds, in
the moonlight, and castrate you with
a single finger.
She taunted them with her pinky. The goons gawked, terrified.
AARON
And I ... will impregnate your women
with my demon seed.
The men trembled, (near hyperventilation). Aaron and Samantha
stepped aside, giving them room to race out. The dogs didn't
follow, awaiting their instructions from Samantha.
SAMANTHA
Very well. Go.
(The dogs bolt, BARKING loudly after their masters. The Goons'
shrieks fill the chamber.) (Aaron and Samantha snicker)
EXT. OVERGROWN PATH TO ABANDONED MONASTERY - DUSK
Hours later, Friar James returned from his excursion into
town.
INT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - FOYER - CONTINUOUS
When he went inside, he was met by the shocking sight of
Aaron knocking Samantha onto the floor. She looked up, blood
on her lips. Aaron offered a hand to help her back to her
feet.
AARON
You were nearly there.
Samantha took his palm. As she alighted, she swiftly twisted
her leg behind his, pulled him in with her right arm (no
hand needed) and threw him squarely onto the floor -- knocking
the wind from him. Then she planted her arm across his
throat.
SAMANTHA
Wrong. I think I clearly hit the
mark.
It was then that they both saw James staring at them.
FRIAR JAMES
It is not in my usual duties to
provide marital counseling.
(Samantha and Aaron stand)
SAMANTHA
Oh -- we are not really married.
FRIAR JAMES
(sigh)
I should have known. I suppose there
are much graver sins.
They followed him into the mess hall ...
INT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - MESS HALL - CONTINUOUS
... where he unloaded the rucksack filled with food and
supplies.
FRIAR JAMES
I stayed some moments with the parish
priest. He told me his Bishop heard
the pope was sending a special legate
to the English crown to propose peace.
SAMANTHA
That would be welcome?
FRIAR JAMES
Most assuredly -- if there wasn't
such poison infecting the Holy See.
EXT. CALAIS - PORT
It was at that moment when one of the Pasquier twins was
boarding a vessel, bound for England.
FRIAR JAMES (V.O.)
The Bishop said he didn't know who
was being sent on the pope's behalf.
EXT. LOUVRE PALACE - DAY
While at the Louvre palace, the other Pasquier twin emerged
from his stagecoach. He stiffened with discomfort ... his
back clearly hurting. Royal escorts welcomed him.
ESCORT 1
Greetings, your Eminence.
ESCORT 2
His Majesty is most ready to receive
you.
PASQUIER
I wish to be in his presence at once.
The escorts hurried to lead him inside, but Pasquier lagged,
wincing from his injury.
PASQUIER
Not so fast.
The escorts glanced at each other, then shrugged.
INT. LOUVRE PALACE - THRONE ROOM
When he arrived inside the great hall audience chamber,
Charles knelt forward in his throne to receive him. Pasquier
bent slightly, but again squinted from the pain.
KING CHARLES
Eminence.
PASQUIER
Your Majesty.
KING CHARLES
Feeling not so fine in today's order?
PASQUIER
Just the aftermath of a bumpy ride
through well-traveled estates.
I come with great haste.
He glanced over the small audience hovering about ... making
eye contact with De Guesclin. The Constable gave him a wry
smile. Charles noticed.
KING CHARLES
Shall we speak of this in a more
private affair?
Pasquier nodded. Charles led him into the antechamber.
INT. LOUVRE PALACE - ANTECHAMBER - MOMENTS LATER
The news Pasquier delivered left the monarch uneasy.
KING CHARLES
But you say you are here without
Gregory's blessing.
PASQUIER
Indeed, as I am here at the calling
of the Lord Himself.
Charles gave him a skeptical look.
PASQUIER
He calls upon you at this very moment,
to make ready your army to vanquish
the evils of the English from your
shores. He guarantees your triumph
... and offers you the island kingdom
in return.
KING CHARLES
God grants me the seat of England,
in addition to what I already possess?
PASQUIER
Her crown and its people. To do
with as you may please.
Charles turned away. None of this felt right ...
KING CHARLES
But I have heard Pope Gregory has
sent a legate to broker peace with
the English. If I amass an army now --
PASQUIER
(approaching)
I promise you will find no such peace
with the Anglos. They are barbarians,
and you know it.
Charles paused ... then stepped away to look out a window
onto his spectacular garden estate.
KING CHARLES
The pope is supposed to be God's
word on earth. How is it the Lord
instead talks to you and not him?
PASQUIER (BEAT)
If you wish to wait, may I recommend
you keep watch on the channel and
already occupied territories. You
will see, the pope's emissary will
fail, and the English devil come at
you with renewed ranks.
KING CHARLES
We shall see.
He headed back for the throne room. Pasquier followed, not
at all worried ... Though he did squint from the pain at his
backside.
PASQUIER
As you wish, your grace. Though I
might also suggest having your
Constable remain at the ready.
KING CHARLES
Always.
As Charles returned to his court, Pasquier smiled ... more
to himself ... The plan unfolding perfectly.
INT. LOUVRE PALACE - THRONE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
King Charles took his seat while Pasquier strode away. The
cardinal gave a slight nod De Guesclin's direction as he
sauntered by. The constable reciprocated, though Charles
failed to see it.
KING CHARLES
My Constable of France. Hither.
De Guesclin walked forward. Charles motioned for him to
lean in and speak quietly with him.
Pasquier left the hall, prideful. He didn't care to look at
Renier and Pierre passing by with an entourage of troops --
though the knights did afford him a quick, but surreptitious,
glance.
EXT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - DUSK
Samantha was at James's heels as he prepped his horse for an
immediate departure. Aaron was right behind her.
SAMANTHA
He will have a retinue of troops,
loyal only to him.
FRIAR JAMES
Such would be the case no matter who
was sent. But we must know.
AARON
Where would you intercept? What
would you do?
SAMANTHA
He may already be on English ground.
Samantha snatched James's arm with her trio of digits before
he could climb into the saddle. James eyed the fingers,
somewhat surprised.
SAMANTHA
If it is one of them, you will not
be able to fight him.
(beat)
Take me with you.
AARON
Sam
SAMANTHA
With one of us there, alongside, he
will at least have a fighting chance.
(to James) Take me with you.
FRIAR JAMES (HESITANT)
You are not as you once were.
SAMANTHA
No, I am different. But that doesn't
mean I am less. And, in fact, may
end up being much more.
She looked at both men, confident in her power.
AARON
Sam, if it is one of them, revenge
is not who we are. What would your
mother and father think?
Samantha paused, then closed her eyes. James wondered what
she was doing, but Aaron motioned for him to remain silent.
Aaron watched, waiting for her to make that link to those
nearby watching from the realm of the spirit.
SAMANTHA
They have been watching. Revenge
must not be the context in which
justice is served. But the darkness
has crossed the channel. The good
black friar must remain protected.
My father is grateful I have at last
learned some humility.
She held up her arms. Aaron took a step, but halted when
sensing Rachel beside him.
RACHEL
Let them go. She is correct. She
needs this for her spirit, and so
does he.
SAMANTHA
My mother says Rachel is beside you,
offering her support.
AARON
But she was afraid when you were
left with the intruders.
FRIAR JAMES
What intruders?
SAMANTHA
She ... Wasn't sure she was ready.
RACHEL
(lip sync with Samantha)
... Wasn't sure she was ready.
FRIAR JAMES
What intruders?
AARON
But they can't guarantee your safety.
SAMANTHA
Nor yours.
RACHEL
You must trust the waters of the
current, son.
(Aaron sighs) Samantha went to Aaron, then placed her
forehead to his.
AARON
Promise me, you will send your
thoughts to me often.
SAMANTHA
You must do the same.
(They kiss)
AARON
I love you.
SAMANTHA
My soul blends only with yours.
Impatient, Friar James quickly motioned a cross over them.
FRIAR JAMES
I now pronounce you husband and wife.
NOW -- what intruders?
EXT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - MOMENTS LATER
Moments later, Samantha had joined James upon his horse,
while Aaron raced alongside, atop the other ... leaving the
monastery behind.
FRIAR JAMES
We part ways at Paris in roughly 8
or 9 days!
Samantha glanced at Aaron, wondering if he would be all right
on his own. Aaron noticed, but the sparkle in his eye
suggested he was up to the challenge.
EXT. RIVER SEINE - DAY
Eight days later, they were at the shores of the Seine, gazing
at the walled city of Paris in the distance.
FRIAR JAMES
The Louvre Palace is that way, beyond
the main portion of the city. But
you are not sure if that is where to
go?
AARON
As a spirit of light, I need only
seek out the darkness.
Friar James spotted Samantha smiling at Aaron.
FRIAR JAMES
You need not burden yourself with my
safety.
SAMANTHA
Where we come from, it is a
requirement for advancement in our
development to leave home and perform
a Pilgrimage of Service. You, in
this very moment, are my sacred duty.
And this is his.
James spun the horse around to face Aaron. They moved closer,
then clasped arms and kissed cheeks.
FRIAR JAMES
God goes with you.
AARON
And with you.
James pushed the horse slightly ahead so he and Samantha
could share a lover's goodbye kiss.
SAMANTHA
Blessed be your light.
AARON
And blessed be yours.
With that, they took a final gaze, then Aaron galloped away.
Friar James nodded to Samantha, then they, too, set off.
Aaron closed his eyes, reaching inward for direction, putting
a hand on the horse's mane to connect with the vitality of
the stallion's soul.
EXT. PATH LEADING TO PASQUIER'S PARIS VILLA - LATER
Hours later, he found himself on the pathway leading to
Pasquier's Paris villa. He watched the home ... unsure of
what it represented -- He suspected it had something to do
with Pasquier, but didn't have any outright confirmation.
It is only where the darkness had led him. He gazed about,
then took shelter at an outcropping of trees and tall grass.
He placed a hand on the horse's muzzle, then carefully blended
his consciousness with the steed's.
AARON
I need you to be my eyes.
EXT. PASQUIER'S VILLA
Minutes later, Aaron's horse wandered onto the villa's
grounds, completely bare of saddle or wears -- looking like
a lost animal. Nevertheless ... Aaron's senses came with it
... his awareness fully blended ... seeing what the horse
could see, though he remained safely behind at the trees far
away from the bounds of the property. Through the stallion's
eyes, he could see it all, including the approach of
attendants, coming to corral the animal.
ATTENDANT 1
Whoa! Whoa! Where did you come
from?
ATTENDANT 2
Broke free from your field?
ATTENDANT 1
What should we do with him?
ATTENDANT 3
We can put him with the others for
now.
They led the horse toward a stable.
ATTENDANT 2
This way, handsome.
EXT. TREE & GRASS PATCH
Meanwhile, Aaron smiled at the success of his plan.
AARON
Good work. Thank you.
EXT. PASQUIER'S VILLA
The horse nodded, more in response to Aaron's appreciation
in its mind than the rescue by the villa attendants, as they
left him a yard with five other horses.
ATTENDANT 2
There you go.
(Close the gate. Whinnies and nods)
EXT. TREE & GRASS PATCH
Meanwhile, Aaron remained at the secluded tree in meditation.
Hours passed. Still linked with the horse, he saw the arrival
of a coach ... then Pasquier coming out of the villa and
taking a seat in the enclosed carriage. (Carriage whisks
away). He watched as the carriage took to the main road,
far off from where he was sitting.
(Deep breath) He stood, broke his link with the horse, then
proceeded toward the villa.
EXT. PASQUIER'S VILLA
He stayed along the perimeter, reconnoitering ... reaching a
back door. Unfortunately, it was locked. Instead, he put
his hand on the ground, closed his eyes, then slowly followed
where his senses led ... An underground entrance ... the
cellar. (Open; entry).
INT. PASQUIER'S VILLA - KITCHEN
Moments later, he peeked from a door into the kitchen.
(Attendants squabbling). The voices were far enough away
that he was able to slink out. He watched the attendants,
hiding and waiting to move when they were distracted by their
duties.
INT. PASQUIER'S VILLA - BEDROOM
Eventually, he made it to Pasquier's bedroom. It was a mid-
size chamber, with an upper floor balcony. He spied a basin
on a tabletop with a crumpled towel beside, revealing its
recent use. He touched it, but looked around for something
more.
He looked inside drawers ... finding a large, old, tattered
and dusty Bible. He opened the cover and saw the unmistakable
drawing of a family tree on the first page. He ran his
fingers across the branches, until he came to the branch
clearly showing the twins, two brothers, and three sisters.
All of them -- except the twins and one brother -- had an
"X" drawn over them ... clearly deceased, most likely as a
result of the Great Mortality from the 1340's.
He closed the book, then sat in a corner of the room. He
kept a hand on the Bible's cover, using it as a way to link
in to the energies of the family that saturated its pages.
His mind was flooded with their history. He saw several
flashing images of family members dying from the plague during
the Great Mortality. Then the visions were replaced with a
visage of their father, Count Gautier, telling them a story
while they were still young in childhood.
GAUTIER
The stranger saved us ... Me and
Duke Areles ... with such incredible
... gifts from God. You boys ...
are a miracle from God.
Then he saw an episode of how one twin was able to find the
other when lost in the woods ... using far-sight to do so.
And suddenly: the twins and Renier contracting the plague
... But surviving it.
PASQUIER
God ... favors us.
With another flash ... He spied a vision of Pasquier and
Renier only days earlier speaking clandestinely with De
Guesclin.
PASQUIER
God will have the enemy surrender
their weapons upon the field. It
will come as an order from their own
captains.
DE GUESCLIN
Then we will wipe them all out and
finally be done with them.
RENIER
Yes.
PASQUIER
And you will have earned your prized
seat at the Lord's side.
Aaron removed his hand from the Bible, breaking the link
with its energies and dour revelations.
EXT. PASQUIER'S VILLA - PASTURE
Moments later, he was opening the gate to retrieve his horse.
The attendants quickly approached.
ATTENDANT 1
That yours?
AARON
Yes. Wandered off the field this
morning. Thank you for holding him.
ATTENDANT 2
Best to better secure your grounds,
eh?
AARON
Most assuredly indeed. I am very
grateful to you and your master.
ATTENDANT 3
Be on your way then.
Aaron tipped his head, then mounted the stallion and jaunted
away.
ATTENDANT 2
We should charge you for boarding!
EXT. PARIS SUBURB - EVENING
By evening, he had ridden into a suburb of Paris. The arrival
gave him flashbacks ... of Elouan first entering upon the
streets of Villa De Le Baie. The two locations were not
dissimilar ... The ramshackle buildings ... the grime in the
streets ... the look of people just trying to survive and
not able to really thrive. (HUMS ELOUAN'S TUNE).
He found an inn. (Jump down, walk in).
INT. PARIS SUBURB - INN - CONTINUOUS
Aaron crossed the main room, eyeing the people chatting and
drinking, finally coming to the Innkeeper's counter.
INNKEEPER
If you're looking for a place to
stay, it's all fulled up.
AARON
No, thank you. I just want to ask:
does his Majesty's military come
down these streets?
INNKEEPER
(annoyed)
What?
AARON
I have come from very far away, with
a dream of seeing his Majesty's
fighting warriors.
INNKEEPER
The very constable of all France
rides down this road with his banner
to and from the palace. You want to
see them? Stick around long enough
and you will. Just no place here
right now.
AARON
I am grateful.
With that, Aaron returned outside.
EXT. PARIS SUBURB - CONTINUOUS
Where he crossed the street and hid himself in a narrow alley.
Satisfied, he sat in the shadows and meditated.
EXT. PARIS SUBURB - DAY
Later the following day, the cheering of citizens roused
him. He came to the edge of the street ... witnessing De
Guesclin leading his regiment. The constable waved to his
supporters, though not once did he crack a smile. A very
stern gentleman, indeed.
Aaron closed his eyes and expanded his consciousness ...
moving into De Guesclin's own horse ... (SNICKER) Within
moments, he was seeing out its eyes ...
EXT. RURAL VILLA
... which led him to the constable's private villa, among
acres of vineyards, crops, and servants working the land.
Aaron stayed his horse a good distance away, so he could
spy.
EXT. RURAL VILLA - NIGHT
When night fell, the only light came from torch lamps perched
along the walls of the home. Fortunately, Aaron's heightened
senses gave him all the insight he needed to find his way
across the fields and inside ...
INT. RURAL VILLA - BEDROOM
... into De Guesclin's large sleeping chamber, complete with
a four-post bed, lavish furnishings ... even a bathing tub.
He remained in the shadows, waiting. Before long, he heard
the constable arriving with his wife in the outer hall ...
TIPHAINE (O.S.)
No! You stink and you're drunk!
DE GUESCLIN (O.S.)
You will do what your husband
commands!
(Door opens) The pair fumbled in. De Guesclin was somewhat
short, stout, and rather ugly ... clawing at his wife, who
stood a head taller than him.
DE GUESCLIN
I am constable with the biggest
tool for bludgeoning in the whole
wide kingdom!
He thrust his hips as he shoved her onto the bed, tearing
her clothes off. At first his wife, Tiphaine, resisted
(grunts), but it was just a game (laughter). De Guesclin
pounded his pelvis ruthlessly into her.
TIPHAINE
Who's that?
De Guesclin rolled off the bed, grabbing a nearby sword.
DE GUESCLIN
Intruder!
Aaron easily deflected the swing, removing the weapon from
the constable's grip ... then side-kicked him, sending the
warrior sprawling to the foot of the bed. (Tiphaine lets
out a quick squeak)
De Guesclin recovered and bounded forward. However, being
drunk didn't help him. Aaron simply turned aside at the
last moment and twirled him onto his backside.
De Guesclin jumped up. Aaron non-chalantly deflected his
blows, then butted the constable's chest with the palm of
his hand, sending the goon spinning.
The constable hit the bed, but quickly regained balance. He
stiffened, ready for another launch.
AARON
Please. I have not come to fight,
rob you, or rape your woman.
DE GUESCLIN
Then what?
AARON
I have come to tell you, you are
being manipulated by the Cardinal.
Do not do as he says when it comes
to fighting the English.
DE GUESCLIN
All English faquin deserve death for
their thievery and pillaging of
France.
AARON
I would think your Prince of Peace
would desire peace, while instead
this Cardinal prefers war. Do not
all soldiers bleed the same blood
upon the battlefield?
DE GUESCLIN
They invade and take what's ours.
Then we take it back. But they do
not know when to stop. God demands
our victory and our sovereignty!
AARON
You have fought in many battles.
Seen many men die. Is it honorable
to slaughter your enemy when they
surrender their weapons?
DE GUESCLIN
Best sure way to make good they don't
pick them up again.
AARON
And after they are gone, who will
you fight next? Will you do to the
English what they have done to you --
start taking lands in their kingdom?
What do you think will happen then?
(De Guesclin seethes, unable to answer).
AARON
Obviously, you do not fight for honor,
you fight solely for the rights to a
piece of ground -- something given
freely to all peoples by the great
creative force of this universe.
Yet, you demand payment to step foot
upon it by the pointless sacrifice
of men.
DE GUESCLIN
If we do not have right to the
vengeance of our lands, then we are
nothing.
AARON
Not nothing. You are free.
Aaron looked between De Guesclin and his wife, realizing he
would never get close enough to make that mind-to-mind link
which could show him the truth. Nevertheless, he took De
Guesclin's sword and tossed it for him to catch.
AARON
At some point you must realize, you
cannot force harmony. It must blossom
from within, as a flower grows from
the bulb it is made in the richness
of the soil suited to it. If the
conditions do not warrant it, it
cannot come by force.
De Guesclin stood rigid, twirling the weapon.
AARON
And then, when force fails to bring
real harmony ... you will have --
and be -- nothing.
Aaron moved to the patio doors, stopping when he was already
halfway out.
AARON
A person is not defined by the land
in which he lives, but by the
character of his being.
With that, he disappeared into the night. De Guesclin raced
to the door, but couldn't find him in the darkness.
EXT. PASQUIER'S PARIS VILLA - MORNING
When morning came, at Pasquier's Paris villa, the cardinal
took seat inside the carriage, ready for a trip back into
the city. The carriage was pulled by a pair of horses, with
a single driver perched atop. (Pull away)
EXT. GRAND TREE PATHWAY
He was whisked down the main road, which was flanked by a
row of grand, gorgeous trees. Suddenly ... Aaron stepped
out. (Horses whinny. Stop.)
DRIVER
Whoa! Whoa!
INT. CARRIAGE - CONTINUOUS
Inside the carriage, Pasquier grimaced as his back hit the
seat from the sudden stop.
PASQUIER
Ah!
Then he heard the scuffle outside ... (then silence.)
PASQUIER
Guillame? What is going on out there?
He opened the door. Halfway, he found himself tossed onto
the ground.
EXT. GRAND TREE PATHWAY - CONTINUOUS
(Pasquier screams). Within seconds, Aaron had him pinned
and was grabbing the clergyman's left ear.
AARON
I will show you what you must need
know.
(Pasquier screams). Pasquier struggled against Aaron's
intrusion. He squirmed ... forcing Aaron onto his side.
Pasquier started slapping him -- doing whatever he could to
interrupt the focus.
They rolled over the ground, Aaron doing everything he could
to remain connected and make that mental link ... But Pasquier
wasn't having it. (Shout). He finally tore himself away,
his ear bloodied from the fight.
PASQUIER
You've lost! You cannot get into my
spirit.
AARON
Whatever you plan on doing to the
English -- however you plan to do it --
you will fail.
PASQUIER
My mind and God's mind are one. You
have no power over us.
Guillame suddenly emerged, sword at the ready. Aaron sprinted
away ... racing into the wide open fields. Guillame chased.
PASQUIER
Let him go! You wouldn't last a
moment against him.
GUILLAME
(coming back)
What if he should return?
PASQUIER
He now knows God's power. He won't.
He eyed the blood on his hands; how disheveled his clothing
was.
PASQUIER
Return us home.
GUILLAME
Yes, your Eminance.
EXT. LANDSCAPE
Aaron ran until he was out of breath. He found a place to
hide ... then plopped down to meditate.
EXT. CALAIS PIER
Meanwhile Friar James was looking out over the pier at Calais,
where he and Samantha would soon be disembarking for England.
(Samantha approaches)
SAMANTHA
I just received a message from Aaron,
in my thoughts. He says they will
be expecting us if we intercept.
FRIAR JAMES
What do we do, then?
SAMANTHA
Can we still cross the channel?